Mt. Meru
3 or 4 days
Mount Meru, the second highest peak in Tanzania and the fifth highest in all of Africa, is a dormant volcano in Arusha National Park, 70 Kilometers (43 miles) west of Mount Kilimanjaro. Reaching its summit of 4,566 meters (14,980 ft) takes 3 or 4 days. Mount Meru features more wildlife and fewer hikers than Mount Kilimanjaro. Instead of tents, you stay in dormitory-style huts. Arusha National Park requires all Mount Meru hiking groups to be accompanied by an armed ranger.
The following is the itinerary for the 4-day climb, which we recommend. The 3-day trek combines the last two days.
Day 1
Momella Gate – Miriakamba Hut
Distance: 13.8 km. / 8.6 mi.
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Elevation: 1,500 m. / 4,921 ft. to 2,541 m. / 8,337 ft.
Habitat: Rainforest
We leave early in the morning from your hotel in either Arusha or Moshi and drive to Momella gate in Arusha National Park. After acquiring our permits at Momella Gate, we begin our trek. We start our walk through beautiful grassland, where a wide variety of animals graze, including buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelope, warthogs, and possibly elephants. We then enter the mountain forest, which has many different species of birds as well as black and white colobus monkeys. We will cross the impressive Ngare Nanyuki River and a beautiful waterfall before arriving at Miriakamba Hut.
Day 2
Miriakamba Hut – Saddle Hut
Distance: 6.1 km. / 3.8 mi.
Hiking Time: 3-5 hours
Elevation: 2,541 m. / 8,335 ft. to 3,570 m. / 11,713 ft.
Habitat: Rainforest to Heath Moorland
In the morning, we begin with a steep ascent through beautiful forests to Saddle Hut, where we will have lunch. In the afternoon, we take an acclimatization hike to the very scenic Little Meru (3,820 m. /12,533 ft.) and then head back to Saddle Hut. We have an early dinner and bedtime so we’re rested before our midnight departure for the summit!
Day 3
Saddle Hut – Rhino Point – Mount Meru Summit – Miriakamba Hut
Distance: 5.5 km. / 3.4 mi. Saddle Hut to Mount Meru Summit – 11.6 km. / 7.2 mi. Mount Meru Summit to Miriakamba
Hiking Time: 10-12 hours
Elevation: 3,570 m./11,713 ft. – 3,850 m./12,631 ft. (Rhino Point) – 4,566 m. /14,980 ft. (Mount Meru Summit) – 2,541 m./8,335 ft. (Miriakamba Hut)
Habitat: Heath Moorland to Alpine Desert to Arctic Summit to Rainforest
We wake you around midnight to hot tea and biscuits for a challenging but rewarding night hike. We begin with a steep ascent to Rhino Point, and then follow a narrow ridge of ash and rock to Cobra Point. After a final hour’s push, we reach the summit of Mount Meru, also called Socialist Peak, (4,566 m./14,908 ft.) in time for sunrise. We’ll have a few minutes for photos. The views of the crater rim and the ash cone that rises from the crater floor are outstanding, while magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro floats in the distant clouds. We then head back to Saddle Hut and on to Miriakamba Hut, stopping for lunch and a brief rest at Rhino Point. Please know that the hike to the summit is sometimes canceled due to bad weather, including strong winds and icy conditions. We always hope for good weather, but we never risk anyone’s safety by hiking in dangerous conditions.
Day 4
Miriakamba Hut – Momella Gate
Distance: 13.8 km. / 8.6 mi.
Hiking Time: 2.5 hours
Elevation: 2,541 m./8,335 ft. to 1,500 m./4,921 ft.
Habitat: Rainforest
For our climb down to Momella Gate you can take a shorter or longer descent. The longer route offers additional views of wildlife and the ash cone of the crater. Once at the gate, it’s time to tip your porters, guide, cook and game ranger. After that your transportation back to Moshi will be waiting for you.
Contact us today to book your expedition!
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